Saturday, January 20, 2018

Eileen, San Francisco, CA

I hired Linda to work with a friend of mine in her early twenties who lives in New York City. My friend had a health problem that required her to see a Gynecologist and was informed she may have a pre-cancerous cervical condition. She was scared and unable to react fast enough to even get to a physician in a timely manner. Linda recommended that my friend also see a second gynecological physician who has successfully treated several patients with this problem. Linda’s great advocacy and health coaching skills resulted in an extremely satisfying outcome. Linda was able to accomplish the following: Quickly assess my friend’s health situation, outline what needed to be done and had her seeing both physicians within the next 8 days. Linda helped her understand her condition in easy to understand terms and assisted in preparing for both of her medical appointments with a couple of short coaching sessions on the phone. Linda gave my friend a better understanding of her condition. This gave my friend a greatly needed sense of confidence to deal with the medical world and her own health problem. Most importantly, Linda relieved my friend of her fears.

#advocacy #wellness #remote #cancer

Monday, January 8, 2018

Linda, Silicon Valley, CA

I was diagnosed with stage 4 non small cell lung cancer. Although I have held high power positions in the past, I was scared and at a loss as to how to proceed. I hired Linda to help me navigate all of the complicated aspects of my care.

She helped me find an Oncologist at Stanford where my primary cancer care was administered. Linda helped guide and teach me about my diagnosis, treatment options, the potential side effects of each option and possible clinical trials.

Linda provided me with extraordinary compassion and support. Her nursing background made her extremely knowledgeable and provided me the best care possible.

The PleurX system includes a drainage catheter and drainage bottles that collect fluid. The catheter is inserted, typically as a simple outpatient procedure

Her questions to my Oncologist about having a pulmonary consultation to evaluate if I was a good candidate for a PleurX system drainage catheter to relieve the excessive fluid building in my lungs every 3 or 4 days. This prevented me from having to drive to Stanford twice a week for repeat uncomfortable outpatient procedures called a thoracentesis. I was taught how to drain the fluid myself and after a few times could do on my own when necessary. This made it much easier to climb stairs, perform household and social activities and greatly relieved and reduced my breathing difficulties.

Linda was instrumental in my getting a second biopsy on an enlarged lymph node on the side of my neck to see if I should have radiation to prevent metastasis to my brain and her recommendation was invaluable and I believe extended my life. She also thought ahead to ask for a prescription for oxygen before it was medically necessary, so I could possibly avoid a visit to an emergency room in the middle of the night.

During this time Linda assisted me in getting a second opinion with UCSF, to verify my treatment plan and recommendations.

Linda assisted me in interviewing possible home health aides, so I would have these resources ready when the time came for this type of home health assistance.

I highly recommend Linda, as her knowledge and wisdom are invaluable resources, especially during critical times of need.

#cancer #chronic